Exeter Claims Victory Over Benetton with Slade's Winning Penalty

In a nail-biting finish, Exeter secured a 44-41 win over Benetton, thanks to a late penalty kick by Henry Slade, setting the stage for a Challenge Cup semi-final against Ulster in Belfast. The match saw a series of intense moments, including Jacob Umaga's try that gave Benetton a 41-38 lead with 15 minutes left, only for Slade to level the score with a penalty four minutes later and then seal the win with another penalty in the 78th minute, much to the dismay of the home crowd. The first half was marked by a frantic pace, with Exeter taking an early lead through Olly Woodburn's try and a penalty try, extending it to 24-14 after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's score and Slade's conversion and penalty. However, the hosts equalized by halftime, courtesy of Onisi Ratave's outstanding try, Umaga's conversion, and a penalty. The second half saw Exeter regain the lead with Harvey Skinner's converted try, but Benetton fought back through Bautista Bernasconi. Exeter then took a 38-31 lead when Andrea Zambonin scored, only for Umaga to kick his second penalty and score a try, giving Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. Ultimately, Slade's precise kicking decided the outcome. In another match, Investec Champions Cup holders Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15, advancing to a semi-final against Bath. Bordeaux's victory was marked by a strong defensive display, with Maxime Lamothe scoring off a maul in the 23rd minute. Toulouse responded instantly but suffered a setback when prop Dorian Aldegheri was given a 20-minute red card for a high-danger challenge. Despite this, Toulouse took the lead into halftime but eventually succumbed to Bordeaux's relentless pressure, with Matthieu Jalibert, Ben Tameifuna, and Arthur Retiere all scoring tries to secure the win.